Date with history - CV Raman's home was named after Rama & Sita's hermitage

According to the Raman Research Institute (RRI) Trust, which manages the home, “the 450x250 feet home was purchased by Sir CV Raman in 1942 for Rs 30,000.Divya Shekhar | THE ECONOMIC TIMES | June 24, 2016, 16:30 IST

BENGALURU: A corner property on 8th main, 15th cross in Malleswaram remains uncannily quiet. It is surrounded by lush green and towering trees, most of which were planted by Sir CV Raman, the 1930 physics Nobel laureate himself. These were once home to about 90 nests of several rare birds. The rooms and hallways of the home - spread across a 2.5-acre property - continue to speak of the grandeur of its glorious past.

Panchvati is the place where Sir CV Raman spent more than 30 years of his life. According to the Raman Research Institute (RRI) Trust, which manages the home, “the 450x250 feet home was purchased by Sir CV Raman in 1942 for Rs 30,000.“ He bought it from BJ Krishna Raju who belonged to the film industry. At that time, Raman served the Indian Institute of Science, of which he was a director from 1933 to 1937. He retired to form the RRI in 1949 and worked there till his death in 1970.

Raman's wife Lokasundari Ammal suggested that the home be named Panchvati after the hermitage occupied by Rama and Sita during their exile. Intrigued with this prospect, Raman is said to have rushed to the post office on the same day to get it registered. “The house was built in 1911-12 by then deputy commissioner Jagadeo Kumaraswamy Naik. His wife Laxmammani was a revolutionary social worker,“ the document said. The hexagonal hall is where Lady Raman played the veena. Apparently, it was the sound of a 14-year-old Lokasundari's rendering that first attracted the 17-year-old Raman to her house and he asked for her hand in marriage immediately after.

The home had a huge library that contained books on science and literature. Panchvati was also where Lady Raman spearheaded various social welfare activities concerning women and children. Back then, Malleswaram was occupied by other prominent people, including artist K Venkatappa and writer GP Rajarathnam.

The premise was temporarily given to the nonprofit AMBA that works for the mentally challenged. After it vacated the premises in 2015, the trust has been using the space to conduct science workshops for children and enthusiasts. It is also working towards making it a museum and a centre for children's activities.